2016 Arunachala Tamil New Year

The Ner Annamalaiyar Lingam Shrine and Mandapam is located on the Arunachala girivalam roadway in an exact axial line opposite to Arunachaleswarar Temple on the other side of the Hill. 

The early morning sun on Tamil New Year i.e. April 14 (Puthandu Vazthukal) first falls directly onto the Lingam in this Shrine – this phenomenon can only be viewed on this day. Traditionally each year on this date, large crowds gather at this Temple to be first to greet the rays of Surya and seek divine blessings for the coming new year. 

The Ner Annamalaiyar Lingam Shrine at daybreak April 14, 2016

First light of Tamil New Year shining on Lingam at Shrine

First Light Tamil New year 2016

Reading of the Panchangam 2014

One very important aspect of the Tamil New Year (celebrated April 14) is the reading of the Panchangam at Arunachala’s main Temple, Arunachaleswarar Kovil. 

It is the Panchangam which is referred to when setting the dates of certain Festivals and Functions as it indicates (to one who knows how to read it) the right time to do certain things and also the time to avoid certain bad celestial aspects. 

The Panchangam, April 14, 2014

Arunachaleswarar Temple, April 14, 2014